Why Did You Leave That Job?

"One reason I shall reveal however is that working two days a week didn't give me enough time to devote to the pub and re-reading the complete works of Shakespeare. So now that I work zero days that issue has been addressed."

Lee Lin Chin, on announcing her resignation from SBS

Apart from what your actual duties and achievements are in your job, the most important thing to know about your resume is why you left the job.

Because that tells us a lot. It can give us insight into your previous employer and what kind of management style you respond to, it tells us what really motivates you (money / career progression / family work balance). And it tells us how adaptable you are.

Be prepared when you meet a recruiter or an employer. They are going to ask why you left your previous jobs. Always be positive. Never criticise a previous boss, it immediately makes a future employer think; “if this is what they think about their employers, they are going to think the same about me”. If you need help with the wording of a difficult to explain situation in a positive way, talk to your recruiter, they can help you tell the truth without bitterness and drama.

The key to overcoming an unpleasant end to a job is to always remain professional, use positive language when talking about the situation and therefore have the ability to turn a bad situation into a great opportunity.